Byeokssongsa Temple (Hamyang)

Byeokssongsa Temple is a branch temple of Haeinsa Temple, the 12th head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The exact founding date is unknown, but based on the three-story stone pagoda behind the temple, which is presumed to have been built at the time of its founding, the period is estimated to be the late Silla or early Goryeo period. The three-story stone pagoda is designated as Treasure No. 474. It is said that the temple was rebuilt by Master Byeoksong Jiyeom in 1520 (the year of Gyeongjin during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon) and was named Byeokssongsa. Before the great monk Seosan Cheongheo Hyujeong, eight patriarchs who illuminated the Seon (Zen) lineage of Joseon, including Byeokgye Jeongsim, Byeoksong Jiyeom, Buyong Yeonggwan, as well as Hwanseong Jian and Seoryong Sangmin, practiced and advanced their training at Byeokssongsa Temple, making the connection between Korean Seon and Byeokssongsa Temple particularly special. The temple was destroyed by fire in 1704 (the 30th year of King Sukjong) and was rebuilt by Master Hwanseong Jian. It was repaired by Master Seoryongdang Sangmin in 1850 (the first year of King Cheoljong), but was destroyed again during the Korean War in 1950. In 1960, Monk Woneung Guhan rebuilt the collapsed temple, leading to its present state. The existing buildings include the main hall, Wontongjeon, with Bangjang Seonwon and Ganworu on the left and right, a mountain gate and bell pavilion in the front, and a Sansingak (mountain spirit shrine) in the back. The temple grounds preserve many cultural properties, including the "Byeokssongsa Three-Story Stone Pagoda," the folk material "Byeokssongsa Wooden Jangseung," and Gyeongsangnam-do tangible cultural properties such as the portrait of Byeokssongdang Jiyeom, the woodblocks of Gyeongamjip, and the woodblocks of Myobeop Yeonhwagyeong.